Solidification Using a Baffle in Sealed Ampoules (SUBSA)
The purpose of the SUBSA investigation is to test the performance of an automatically moving baffle in microgravity and to determine the behavior and possible advantages of liquid encapsulation in microgravity conditions. The baffle is used during directional solidification to minimize the natural convection in the melt. The baffle reduces significantly the maximum temperature difference and characteristics size of the melt. In space, the baffle will reduce convection driven by residual acceleration, which is particularly harmful when acting normal to the axis of the ampoule (horizontal Bridgeman growth). This will be investigated by growing Indium Antimonide (InSb) within the SUBSA apparatus, using the Microgravity Science Glovebox (MSG) facility. The hardware will be launched as stowage in either the Orbiter Middeck or in the Mini-Pressurized Logistics Module (MPLM).
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DOME
DOME (Development of Organic Materials for Electronics) is a space flight experiment designed to contribute to the investigation of organic materials based electronic and eletroluminescent devices. A compliment of four vapor deposition chambers fit within a standard NASA Express locker aboard the International Space Station. The compact size also lends itself to ground based vapor deposition applications that have limited resources. The experiment is self-contained, requiring a 28VDC power source and a vacuum-roughing pump. Parameter manipulation such as temperature setpoints and deposition duration is achieved through a standard Ethernet connection.
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Solar Panel Testing
Before deciding on what solar panels to use for the DSTB project, researchers put the panels through a series of tests.
Researchers discussing tests
The temperature of the panels was an integral part of the test, so the panels were monitored with thermocouples.
Solar Panels with Thermocouples
Next the solar panels were placed in a vacuum chamber which has IR lamps to test their performance at high temperatures while in vacuum.
IR Lamp Array On
Finally the panels were closed up, and the test began.
Vacuum Chamber
Some panels survived, some did not!
Dead Solar Panel
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